Fort Worth First LCS to Deploy with Drone Aircraft

The U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship will deploy with an unmanned aircraft system on board for the first time when the USS Fort Worth leaves here next week on deployment to the Pacific region, service officials said.

The Fort Worth, or LCS 3, will soon deploy with what’s called a surface warfare mission-equipment package – a collection of integrated on-board technologies including 11-meter rigid inflatable boats, 30mm machine guns, MH-60R helicopters and the MQ-8B Fire Scout, a helicopter-like vertical take-off-and-landing drone.

“This first time we’re bringing Fire Scout into the equation and matching it up with a manned helicopter squadron. The same pilots that fly an MH-60 helicopter can fly a mission, land on deck, come inside the ship and launch the Fire Scout and do another mission. It brings us a lot more flexibility,” said Capt. Ken Bridgewater, commanding officer of the USS Fort Worth.

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